Head downtown for the 2025 City of Houston Thanksgiving Parade this weekend. Photo by Jim McIngvale.
Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2025 in Houston: Thanksgiving Parade, The Nutcracker, and Holiday Celebrations
Let the kids get some energy out before sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner. Photo courtesy of the Houston Arboretum
What's Open in Houston on Thanksgiving? Places Open for Family Fun
Let someone else cook Thanksgiving dinner this year. Photo courtesy of Bigstock
Family-Friendly Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in Houston
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Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Houston Families
There are so many ways to see The Nutcracker in Houston this season. Photo courtesy of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Houston
It's time to get your annual picture with Santa, and we know just where to go. Photo courtesy of the Houston Galleria
Best Places for Santa Photos in Houston This Holiday Season 2025
College Station is perhaps the closest Christmas town to Houston. Photo courtesy of Santa's Wonderland at College Station, Facebook
Top 10 Christmas Towns in Texas to Light Up Your Holiday Season
Annual City of Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade! 2023 photo © Richard Carson
18 Best Things To Do in Houston with Kids November 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors
See alligators in Beaumont, about 90 minutes from Houston. Photo courtesy of Gator Country Wildlife Adventure Park
Fall Day Trips From Houston for Families
Christmas trains near Houston 2025. Photo courtesy of The Polar Express Train Ride at the Texas State Railroad
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near Houston in 2025
With activities for all, Texas Ren Fest is the largest Renaissance-themed attraction in the county.
Texas Renaissance Festival: A Magical Fall Tradition for Houston Families
Buffalo Bayou Park has trails, climbing structures, and skate park, slides, and more. Photo by Jessica Stautberg.
Things To Do in Houston That Everyone Will Love - From Toddlers to Teens (and Parents Too!)
There are plenty of choices for pumpkin patches near Houston. Photo courtesy of P6 Farms
Best Pumpkin Patches Near Houston for Fall Fun
Free alligator education at Brazos Bend State Park. Photo by Sarah Banks.
The 10 Best Free Hidden Gems for Kids in Houston
From pumpkins to corn mazes, there's loads of seasonal fun at local farms. Photo courtesy of P6 Farms
Fall Bucket List for Kids: 30 Top Things To Do in Houston This Fall 2025
Houston Fall festivals that are fun for the whole family. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
Ultimate Guide to Fall Festivals in 2025 for Houston Families
Visit the Hall of Paleontology at the Museum of Natural Science. Photo courtesy of Visit Sugar Land.
Why HMNS at Sugar Land Is a Must-Visit for Houston Families
Help your Scout rack up the badges at these programs in Houston. Photo courtesy of Canva.
Best Places to Earn Scout Badges in Houston
Unique Birthday Party Venues in Houston for One-of-a-Kind Birthday Parties
Our favorite gymnastics gyms in Houston. Photo courtesy of Canva
Gymnastics Gyms in Houston: Places to Take Gymnastic Classes, Camps, or Open Gym
Palace Social has bowling and a restaurant in addition to arcade games. Photo courtesy of Palace Social
Where to Find the Coolest Arcades for Kids in Houston
The Mini classes at Goldfish Swim School are a great bonding experience for parent and child. Photo courtesy of the school
Best Mommy and Me Classes for Houston Babies and Parents 2025
Ready Go Amusement Arcade photo by author Elizabeth R.
Houston’s Best Claw Machine Arcades Where Kids (and Parents) Can Actually Win
A crafting party at one of these venues or at home is the perfect celebration for a creative kid. Photo courtesy of Color Me Mine
Best Crafting Parties for Teens in Houston
See aquatic life without a fee at Sea Center Texas. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Keep Cool in Houston: Top Beaches, Swimming Lakes, Splash Pads, and AC Spots
Our top picks for your Houston bar/bat mitzvah. Photo by Juliano ASTC, courtesy of Pexels.
Fun Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Venues in Houston
These Houston ice cream shops have the best treats for kids. Photo by Kelly Patino, courtesy of Mommy Poppins.
Best Ice Cream Spots In Houston For Kids
Pick your own flowers at one of these Houston farms. Photo courtesy Summer Skye Gardens
Sunflowers, Tulips, and More Pick-Your-Own Flower Farms Near Houston
Go for a nature walk in on of Houston's huge parks. Photo by Anthony Rathbun, courtesy of the Houston Arboretum.
Houston Budget-Friendly Weekend Itinerary for Families
Discovery Green hosts free events like Arte en el Parque, where kids learn Spanish while making art. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green
100 Free Things To Do in Houston with Kids
Levy Park in Houston has one of our favorite playgrounds. Photo courtesy of OJB Landscape Architecture
Best Playgrounds in Houston: Destination Playgrounds Worth the Drive
NASA's Space Center is one of Houston's best science museums for kids. Photo by Pierce Ingram, courtesy of Travel Texas
Explore the Best Science Museums in Houston for Kids: Educational Fun for All Ages
Firetruck Park in West University. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
Neighborhood Guide: Things To Do in West University and Rice Village with Kids
See animals up close at some of these farms near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
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Children's Museum Houston is free every Thursday evening. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum Houston
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Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
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City Park Skate Park near Houston. Photo courtesy of the Sugarland Texas Govt.
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Pleasure Pier in Galveston is a top attraction near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
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John P. McGovern's state-of-the art playground is perfect for both younger and older children. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green.
20 Things To Do in Downtown Houston With Kids
Stop at Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo for some cool photos on your roadtrip to the Texas Panhandle.
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Baywatch Dolphin Tours are a fun, kid-friendly tour near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
Best Kid-Friendly Tours in Houston
Make dining out with kids more fun at one of Houston's themed restaurants. Photo courtesy of Rock N Roll Sushi
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Houston's Walking Stick Brewing Company has plenty of outdoor space. Photo courtesy of the Walking Stick Brewing Company
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Urban Air has quite a few trampoline parks near Houston. Photo courtesy of Urban Air Adventure Park
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Batting cage photo courtesy of the Bellaire Bats
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Photo courtesy of Big Air in North Houston
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Plan a magical quinceañera with these dress shops and venues. Photo courtesy of Canva
Quinceañeras in Houston: The Best Dress Shops and Venues for Your Teen Birthday
Houston has many kid-friendly museums, and not all are children's museums. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of Houston
Best Museums in Houston for Kids and Families
In winter, visit Luminations at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. Photo by Ann Alva Weiding Photography, at bigredmuse.com.
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New to fishing? Try a Galveston fishing boat tour.
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The outdoor pool at the Moody Gardens Hotel, photo courtesy of Visit Galveston.
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One of our favorite petting zoos near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
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Make it an unforgettable family getaway from Houston by hiking Enchanted Rock. Photo courtesy Passport to Texas.
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Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn Waterparks
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Photo by author Rebecca Matheson Ortiz for Mommy Poppins.
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MKT has great family-friendly restaurants! Photo courtesy of @mendocinofarms and MKT
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There's no shortage of fun baby activities in Houston.
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Your little learner will love the variety of toddler classes in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
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Treat your kid to one of these Houston spas with services for children. Photo courtesy of Float Baby
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Climb with your kids at one of these indoor rock climbing gyms in Houston. Photo courtesy of Texas Rock Gym
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Bowling is a fun indoor activity to add to your list this summer. Photo courtesy of Palace Social
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Fishing at Sea Center in Freeport, TX. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
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Photo courtesy of Osprey Cruises
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Round up the girls and head out for a kid-free night in Houston. Photo courtesy of Thirsty Bee Meadery
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It's the opening weekend of Zoo Lights! Photo courtesy of Houston Zoo
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The Nutcracker and More Holiday Shows in Westchester and the Hudson Valley in 2025

An abbreviated production of
An abbreviated production of "The Nutcracker" geared toward young audiences is an annual staple at the Tarrytown Music Hall. Photo courtesy of the venue
11/11/25 - By Katherine Dhurandhar

Tchaikovsky’s timeless Nutcracker ballet is a beloved family holiday tradition, and multiple Westchester and Hudson Valley venues present stunning performances of this classic.

Performances of The Nutcracker this year include Dance For Joy's Nutcracker for Kids, a condensed, narrated version of the classic ballet geared toward the younger set, and The Nutcracker at Irvington Theater, with a twist that features a variety of dance styles and modern hits sprinkled throughout the classic. 

Other holiday shows on our list include The Laurie Berkner Band Holiday Celebration at the Tarrytown Music Hall and Jessica Lynn: A Very Merry Classic Christmas at the Paramount Hudson Valley, which benefits Toys for Tots. 

We have so many ways to lift your family's spirits as the year draws to a close: From must-do holiday attractions to craft fairs and more, our Holiday Fun Guide includes festive destinations and at-home activities.

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OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Kick off the holiday season with the
Kick off the holiday season with the "Nutcracker, Short and Sweet" at the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater. Photo courtesy of the theater

2025 Nutcracker Performances for Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Central Park Dance Presents The Nutcracker at the Capitol Theatre

Port Chester
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Central Park Dance returns to The Capitol Theatre with its annual production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. This production features more than 100 dancers from Central Park Dance and surrounding Westchester communities.  READ MORE

The Nutcracker at the Bardavon

Poughkeepsie
Thursday & Friday, December 12-13, 2025
The Catskill Ballet Theatre presents Tchaikovsky's classic ballet The Nutcracker at the Bardavon Opera House. The ballet is performed in its entirety. READ MORE

Nutcracker by Rockland Youth Dance Ensemble

Suffern
Friday, December 12-Sunday, December 14, 2025
The Rockland Youth Dance Ensemble (RYDE) returns with its stunning performance of the Nutcracker. This special narrated performance of the full-length ballet has a tree that grows, snow that falls, and beautiful sets and costumes. READ MORE

Emelin Theatre's Nutcracker Dream

Mamaroneck
Various dates, December 13-December 22, 2025
This 90-minute, family-friendly adaptation of the Nutcracker by acclaimed choreographer Carole Alexis, inspired by the work of Rudolf Nureyev and Marius Petipa, brings the beloved holiday classic to life. Performed by Ballet des Amériques professionals with local young dancers, it’s a festive must-see, READ MORE

The Nutcracker Performed by New York Theatre Ballet at the Tarrytown Music Hall

Tarrytown
Sunday, December 14, 2025
This abbreviated production of The Nutcracker, an annual staple at the Tarrytown Music Hall, is best suited for young audiences with short attention spans. The production is presented by New York Theatre Ballet. Two productions are scheduled at 3pm and 6pm.  READ MORE

The Nutcracker at the Irvington Theater

Irvington
Saturday, December 20, 2025
Experience the magic of The Nutcracker with a twist at the Irvington Theater. Amanda Kupillas Dance brings a new take on a classic winter tradition to Westchester; her students study all kinds of dance from ballet to break dance and everyone gets to participate. The Nutcracker features the timeless musical creations of Tchaikovsky with modern pop hits sprinkled in. READ MORE

Yorktown Stage Presents Dance for Joy’s Nutcracker for Kids

Yorktown
Saturday & Sunday, December 20-21, 2025
The Nutcracker for Kids is a one-hour, condensed, and narrated version of the full story of The Nutcracker, in which all parts are danced by students at the Yorktown Stage. It allows audience members of all ages to experience the magic of the Nutcracker during the holiday season! READ MORE

Nutcracker, Short and Sweet at the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater

Peekskill
Sunday, December 21, 2025
Don’t miss this local, family-oriented rendition of a classic holiday favorite ballet, The Nutcracker. The Nutcracker, Short and Sweet offers the timeless music of Tchaikovsky, favorite dances performed by a company of committed dancers from the Hudson Valley, engaging narration, and costumes that will delight every guest—in a setting and at a price that is perfect for audiences ages 3 and older. READ MORE

Other 2025 Holiday Performances for Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

A West Point Holiday at the Eisenhower Hall Theatre

West Point–FREE
Saturday & Sunday, December 6-7, 2025
Ring in the holidays with festive favorites in various musical styles performed by the vocalists and instrumentalists of the West Point Band, from the Nutcracker Suite to Frosty the Snowman, at the Eisenhower Hall Theatre.  READ MORE

The Laurie Berkner Band Holiday Celebration at the Tarrytown Music Hall

Tarrytown
Saturday, December 7, 2025
Enjoy both original and classic holiday songs as performed by beloved children's artist Laurie Berkner and friends.  READ MORE

Jessica Lynn: A Very Merry Classic Christmas at the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater

Peekskill
Sunday, December 13, 2025
This show is a full multimedia presentation featuring dancers, marching bands, choirs, and special effects. The production raises money for Toys for Tots. READ MORE

Cherish the Ladies - A Celtic Christmas at the Tarrytown Music Hall

Tarrytown
Saturday, December 13, 2025
These Irish performers return to Tarrytown Music Hall for another holiday celebration, featuring Christmas carols with Celtic instrumentation, a full band in accompaniment, and Irish step dancing. Two performances are scheduled at 4pm and 8pm. READ MORE

"A Christmas Carol" by Kids on Stage at Rhinebeck Center for Performing Arts

Rhinebeck
Saturday & Sunday, December 13-14, 2025
Kids on Stage presents "A Christmas Carol" at the Rhinebeck Center for Performing Arts. Experience the holiday classic in a musical performed by Kids on Stage workshop participants. READ MORE

Mr. Dickens Tells A Christmas Carol at Lyndhurst

Tarrytown
Select dates from Sunday, December 14-Friday, December 26, 2025
This theatrical performance recreates Charles Dickens' own readings of the classic tale that brings the travails of Ebenzer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, and Tiny Tim alive. Guests listen to the tale in the parlor of the mansion, "meeting" the different spirits and characters.  READ MORE

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About the Author

Katherine Dhurandhar
Katherine Dhurandhar is a Community Publisher for Mommy Poppins, representing the Westchester and Hudson Valley region of New York, and a freelance copyeditor for Westchester Publishing Company. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, camping, and traveling with her husband and son.
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